|
G'day All,
About three years ago I was involved in a bat radio
tracking survey at Oakbore,Calperum Station,about 60km north of Remark S.A. in
January, it was 46C and we were all sitting in the shade,two Regent Parrots
settled in a nearby tree and after about 30mins. one flew to the ground,pecked
about for a couple of minutes,rolled over and died,I went and picked him up and
now he is in the S.A. museum.There was a lot of "very tame birds"around that
day,all coming and sitting in the shade,and under the old shearers quarters
where the rabbits had some holes we saw Aust.Magpies,Striated Pardalotes,Rainbow
Bee-eaters and a couple of Honey-eater species all disappear deep down into
these holes....and not just two or three...there was at least ten to fifteen
birds went out of sight into the holes, several Bee-eaters came into the
quarters....Yes they do find places to go when it is hot.We have had some
"fairly warm days" here in the Riverland,over the last couple of weeks...my
hottest under the verandah 51C and inside 43C I don't have airconditioning...I
"tough it out with the birds" ..but I do turn on the low-pressure sprinklers and
I sit and watch a lot of species enjoy the pleasure of water( even Sand Goanas
and Sleepy Lizards) they all know when the water is on.......Cheers All
Doug Holly.
|
